Transport Authority has stated that the Authority will act against those vessels travelling in violation of the safety measures issued by the MNDF Coast Guard and the Authority.
A statement released by the Authority Sunday stated that the Authority will enact punishments on vessel owners and renters as well.
The number of reported travel incidents had increased due to the increased travel of the holiday season and the heavy rains. Police reported that in the past 24 hours, several incidents had been reported. Marine Police Head Chief Inspector of Police Adam Iyaz appealed all to exercise caution when travelling. He added that the heavy rains had hampered the safety of those rescued from the vessels in distress.
Police said that the two of the most serious incidents had occurred in the past 12 hours. As such, in the past 12 hours 129 passengers aboard a vessel to H. A. Filladhoo had been rescued and the passengers shifted to K. Kaashidhoo. Additionally, “Saavari” travelling to Th. Atoll had run aground a reef in M. Atoll. The 182 passengers on the vessel had been transferred to M. Dhiggaru.
As this is the holiday period, many have begun their travels to the atolls. Marine Police had begun a special operation in connection to the holidays on the 16th of this month. In the operation, run in connection with MNDF Coast Guard, vessels are checked and vessels that failed to meet basic safety requirements had been banned from travelling. As such, 7 vessels had been banned from travelling.
Operation leaders have also noted that many vessels board additional passengers than the authorized figure and had overstocked the vessels. They also report that work was underway to salvage the vessel that had sunk near Vaagali.
Transport Authority to act against vessels going against decrees issued by Coast Guard, Transport
